Backpackers International Reviews

Reviews & Ratings Explained

74%

Rating

165 Total Reviews

83%Value For Money

71%Security

88%Location

75%Staff

77%Atmosphere

57%Cleanliness

68%Facilities

The rating percentage is calculated from customers who booked within the last 12 months.

All ratings and reviews are based on the feedback and opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up-to-the-minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is. Read our review guidelines »

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77%

I had the most brilliant time staying at Backpackers International. Although it is not anything special, we formed a little community, all going to the beach together, markets, drinking, cooking, it was like a having a little international family for two weeks.

The cheapest place on the island, with a good kitchen, decent atmosphere, comfy enough beds and hot showers, with two great snorkelling beaches nearby. We ended up extending and stayed two weeks. That said, it is grubby, unnecessarily grimy, the rooms were mouldy and sheets damp even when fresh on. A bit more TLC would sort it out, but given how cheap it is in the context of raro you sort of get over it and stay out of your room until you go to sleep

We really enjoyed our stay at Backpackers International. The staff were friendly and we felt at home. We were taught how to husk coconuts in the back yard and had loads of free avocados and bananas courtesy of the owners! Location excellent and very near the best snorkelling in town (The Rarotongan and Shipwreck).

Thank you for your awesome review, glad you enjoyed our local hospitality. Thank you again for staying with us.

80%

Decent place for the cheap rates. We found it a really good location, as we were relying on the buses and the beach nearby that you can walk to is nice. Pretty basic but Tisa was helpful, and there was a nice atmosphere with lots of like minded travellers happy to chat. If you're on a budget this place definitely ticks the boxes.

Thank you for your awesome review, we're all about the basics, good location, company and price. Again, thank you for staying with us.

94%

The best snorkelling spot of the island is 15min by foot from the hostel. This is awesome. The only problem, that is not specific of the hostel, but of the rarotonga is that internet is paid EVERYWHERE

Thank you for your review, glad you enjoyed your time with us, if you're ever back on the island, you know how to find us. Yeah, unfortunately about the internet, it's owned by a monopoly, so yes, internet is paid everywhere.

86%

more electrical outlets in the rooms to match the number of people in the room. could be usb power strip as almost everything can charge from usb. this way people are not fighting over the power outlets. Add more hooks in the shower areas to hold towel, etc.
put up mosiquito traps or a special light to attract and kill them
add one more hammick

Thank you for your email and also for the recommendation. Have spoken with the owners regarding the power points, but will look into the usb strips. We usually have coils in the common areas, but we can look into light traps. Love the idea of more hammocks, we actually have more hammocks, we're just not sure where the ideal placement for the rest. Again, thank you for your recommendations, very much appreciated.

86%

Had a great time at this hostel, despite the weather! Tisa is really friendly and a good laugh!! The location is fab, a 1 minute walk to a beautiful beach!
My only criticism is that some of the kitchen amenities could do with updating or replacing!
Would definitely stay here again and would recommend to others!

Thank you for your awesome review and good news, we've bought new kitchen stoves, still working on the updating, but we're getting there. Thank you again for staying with us, we had a blast.

94%

Basic onsite facilities, but there are some fruit trees and the Rarotongan resort with its great snorkeling and free beach chairs is just down the road. Get a scooter from island bike and car hire. Thanks for the laughs Tisa.